Pond Anchor Worms

                What do pond fish and avid outdoors types have in common? They are both susceptible to parasitic bugs that are an incredible nuisance! Anchor worms to fish are much like ticks to dogs, cats and humans, they embed themselves and feed!

                The anchor worm itself is not easily identified until a larger more developed female anchor worm has fully developed and has begun egg production. Once this occurs, the parasite (actually in the same family as crustaceans) is fully visible and can reach two or two and a half centimeters long. On the exterior of the fish there is a noticeable sore where the head of the parasite is embedded and a long thin extension gives it a worm like appearance.  Most of the time, a pond will begin to contract anchor worm when a new fish has been introduced that harbors the microscopic parasites. The females will eventually release their eggs (potentially 700 can be released in a sitting) into the water, escalating the infestation. The new born anchor worms are free swimming microscopic parasites searching for a new fish to feed on. The parasites will feed on fish mucus which is harmless until the process of mating is complete. At which point the female embed themselves in a near by fish and restarts the process. It is easy to see this issue in a pond can get out of control, quickly!

                Fortunately there is a simple solution, Dimilin. This particular product is effective in targeting parasite of this type in both ponds and aquaria. Dimilin works by interrupting the mating practices of anchor worms hence breaking their life cycles. This also means that those currently embedded in the fish will remain unscathed, but they will be no longer able to produce offspring. Once the life cycle is broken, the female anchor worm will eventually die and the fish should recover as it is not wise to attempt to remove the parasite from the fish because this could potentially lead to a secondary infection. There is a way to remove the parasite if you must, but it involves the use of a water type salt called Potassium Permanganate. This product can be purchased in places that sell water purification equipment and supply. When dipped in a solution of water and the PP the anchor worm will release its hold from the side or back of the fish and can be gently swept away.

                Anchor worm can spiral out of control in a pond in alarming fashion. If left unchecked the worm itself can cause major damage to the fish and potentially spawn major infections. Fortunately at Zamzows we carry the only simple, one step solution to removing anchor worms from you pond!